For an explanation of why America needs stricter gun control, ABC News turns to man who shot Reagan (and others)

Doug P. | 6:11 PM on July 06, 2022

Just last month, John Hinckley, Jr., who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was released from all court restrictions:

John Hinckley Jr. has been freed from all court restrictions, marking the end of years of government oversight nearly four decades after he shot and wounded then-President Ronald Reagan.

“After 41 years 2 months and 15 days, FREEDOM AT LAST!!!” Hinckley tweeted Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier this month, US District Judge Paul Friedman said Hinckley was on track to be fully released from court supervision, setting the final release date for Wednesday.

The judge had approved a deal last September between the Justice Department and Hinckley for his “unconditional release,” without restrictions on his movements or internet activity. The judge said at the time that the restrictions would’ve been dropped “a long, long, long time ago” had Reagan not been Hinckley’s target.

ABC News also reported the story last month:

'Freedom at last' for John Hinckley Jr 41 years after Ronald Reagan assassination attempt https://t.co/PZd1QqjbFV

— ABC News (@abcnews) June 16, 2022

Now that he’s a free man, ABC News decided to get Hinckley’s thoughts on guns in America. No, seriously:

This isn’t photoshopped. ABC News actually used a guy who tried to murder a president to push gun control. pic.twitter.com/zGc47hIklf

— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) July 6, 2022

.@ABC "News" gives man who tried to murder Reagan a platform to spout off on gun control. https://t.co/yJnqjx6TFJ https://t.co/RG1XjCOQbY

— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) July 6, 2022

It’s a real interview on ABC where Hickley Jr. says “the climate of the country right now is not good and it’s not good to have so many guns.” The reporter replied, “coming from you, that’s quite a statement.” Hinckley Jr. responded, “well, I hope it is.”